Phoenix Mercury GM Nick U’Ren said the team hopes Kelsey Plum will return, but the unrestricted free agent will decide her future. Asked if Plum, Alyssa Thomas and Kahleah Copper can play together next season, Thomas said, “That’s not for me to decide.”
Phoenix acquired Plum from Los Angeles at the Aug. 2 trade deadline. She played five games for the Mercury while rehabbing a lower-leg injury, averaging 15.8 points and 2.8 assists in Phoenix. Across 17 games this season, she averaged 21.5 points and 5.4 assists. In the trio’s first game together, Plum scored 20 points in 21 minutes, Thomas posted a 19-point, 15-rebound, 12-assist triple-double and Copper scored 31.
Keeping Plum would have to fit Phoenix’s finances: AZCentral’s projection put the Mercury’s 2027 cap space at about $3.26 million, while Thomas and Copper are projected to account for $2.46 million combined. Plum could command more than $1 million if she returns. Phoenix sent Monique Akoa Makani, a 2027 first-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick to Los Angeles for Plum.
